Cloud-based threats refer to security risks and vulnerabilities that are specifically associated with cloud computing environments. These threats target cloud services, platforms, and infrastructure, as well as the data and applications hosted in the cloud. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud technologies for storage, computing, and other services, understanding these threats is crucial for maintaining security and compliance.
Here’s a synthesized list of top cloud-based threats as of 2024:
- Misconfiguration and Inadequate Change Control – Incorrectly configured cloud settings remain one of the leading causes of security issues in cloud environments.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) Issues – Managing who has access to what in the cloud is crucial. Weak IAM can lead to unauthorized access.
- Insecure Interfaces and APIs – APIs and user interfaces that are not securely designed can be exploited to gain unauthorized access or data.
- Data Breaches and Leakage – The ease of data sharing in the cloud increases the risk of accidental or malicious data exposure.
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) – These are long-term targeted attacks where hackers infiltrate the cloud environment to steal data over time.
- Insecure Third-Party Resources – Using third-party services or components that are not secure can compromise cloud security.
- System Vulnerabilities – Exploitable bugs in programs that could allow attackers to compromise systems within the cloud.
- Insufficient Due Diligence – This encompasses issues arising from moving to the cloud without fully understanding the security implications, like not understanding the shared responsibility model.
- Unauthenticated Resource Sharing – Resources in the cloud that are shared without proper authentication controls.
- Limited Cloud Visibility/Observability – Organizations sometimes lack the tools or processes to monitor their cloud resources effectively, leading to blind spots in security.
Additionally, from X posts and other cybersecurity insights:
- Phishing remains a pervasive threat, often leading to cloud credential theft.
- Malware like Lumma, AsyncRAT, Stealc, and others are highlighted as significant threats, often distributed or controlled via cloud environments.
- AI and Machine Learning Security Challenges – With the integration of AI tools like Llama 2 and ChatGPT into cloud services, new vulnerabilities related to these technologies emerge, as noted by frameworks like OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications.
- Zero Trust Adoption – Not a threat per se, but the shift towards Zero Trust architectures indicates the evolving response to these threats, emphasizing the need for continuous authentication, authorization, and validation.
Remember, these threats evolve as technology and attack strategies advance, so continuous education and adaptation in security strategies are essential for defense in the cloud environment.
